Browsing by Author "Abdeladhim, Rim Ben"
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- Polyhydroxyalkanoates medical applications and potential for use in dentistryPublication . Abdeladhim, Rim Ben; Reis, José Alexandre; Vieira, Ana Maria; Almeida, Maria Catarina dePolyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are promising biopolymers due to their biodegradability and biocompatibility, making them a potentially revolutionary alternative to traditional synthetic polymers. The PHA market is growing, especially in Europe, in response to the growing demand for biodegradable and environmentally friendly plastics. These biopolyesters are produced and degraded by a variety of microorganisms, making them environmentally friendly materials, while offering benefits such as biocompatibility (when adequately processed) and biodegradability. Their versatility extends to various areas, from biomedicine to agriculture and composite materials, where they pave the way for significant innovations. In the field of regenerative medicine, some PHA have key applications, namely in vascular grafts, oral tissue regeneration, the treatment of mouth ulcers, and the development of self-healing polymers. Their use has many advantages, including an ecological alternative to petroleum-based plastics and an environmentally friendly solution. In addition, PHA have the potential to be used in the creation of dental implant materials. Some of the PHAs have compatibility with biological tissues, biodegradability and mechanical properties, making them an attractive option for dental medical devices. PHA can also be used to encapsulate hydrophobic drugs, thus providing an approach for more targeted and effective treatments. To summarize, polyhydroxyalkanoates open up new perspectives in the field of medicine by improving drug delivery, solving common problems and offering ecological solutions for medical devices. Their versatility and unique properties place them at the forefront of innovation in this constantly evolving field. The aim of this thesis is to present the medical and dental applications of PHA; their advantages, disadvantages and indications, addressing topics such as: production, biocompatibility, current use and future prospects through a narrative literature review.